BACHOK: Health factors have been identified as the main reason for haj deferment among Malaysian pilgrims this year, surpassing financial reasons, which now rank third.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said only 18 per cent of pilgrims have deferred their haj so far, a significant decline from about 50 per cent previously, following improvement initiatives implemented by Lembaga Tabung Haji.
“Based on the data received, personal and health factors are the primary reasons for deferment, and financial factors are no longer the dominant cause as before,” he said.
He said this after the Sinar Lestari housing handover session organised by the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapeim) at Kampung Aman, Kandis, today.
Zulkifli said health screening is among the mandatory requirements that must be complied with to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage throughout the pilgrims’ stay in the Holy Land.
At the same time, he said the government will ensure Malaysia’s haj quota is fully utilised, with appeals remaining open until Ramadan to fill available vacancies.
“For pilgrims who defer their haj, the quota will be offered to the next most eligible candidates in accordance with existing rules and guidelines.
“Further announcements regarding haj offers and appeals will be issued by Lembaga Tabung Haji from time to time,” he said.
Previously, media reported that Malaysia is still awaiting a response on its request for an additional haj quota for 2026, after the Saudi Arabian government decided to maintain Malaysia’s quota at 31,600 pilgrims.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
